Well…how much better do you want to feel and for how long?
When you’re recovering from an injury, or simply experiencing discomfort or pain, you may get advice from many people in your circle: Go see a physical therapist! Get a massage. I know a great chiropractor! In fact, we get asked questions from our patients every week about how we’re different from these other resources. Here, we seek to clear things up.
Physical Therapists vs. Chiropractors vs. Massage Therapists
All these resources are there to help you with your pain and recovery, and to increase your mobility. But they vary dramatically in philosophy, education and technique. Here are the key differences between the three types of care:
Physical Therapy: Physical therapists work on all types of injuries and conditions. Their focus is on getting patients back on the road to recovery, often after major injuries, surgeries, debilitating pain or just to simply achieve movement goals. Physical therapists evaluate each patient in order to locate the source of the pain or dysfunction with a goal to correct the issue through neuromuscular re-education, stabilization, therapeutic exercise and activities. Physical therapists offer an educational opportunity for patients and are trained to teach patients how to prevent or manage their condition in order to maximize long-term health. You can consider them ‘movement specialists’. Physical therapists work in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, sports facilities, out-patient rehabilitation clinics and more.
Physical therapists must receive a degree from an accredited physical therapy program and take a national licensure exam before they can practice. They must complete a graduate degree—such as a masters or clinical doctorate—before they can practice. Their education is highly specialized.
Physical therapists may use a variety of techniques to achieve their patient’s goals: exercises, stretches, dry needling, massage, heat treatment and more.
Chiropractors: Chiropractors focus exclusively on the musculoskeletal system and nervous system. Chiropractors may be best known for a technique called spinal manipulation, where they manipulate the spine to correct alignment issues, increase mobility and relieve pain.
Chiropractors must achieve a four-year doctoral graduate school program, pass a national board exam and obtain a license before they can practice.
Massage Therapy: Massage therapists focus on muscles and soft tissue. Many of their clients may be healthy people, who are just seeking some stress and tension relief and relaxation. From an education perspective, massage therapists often complete a certificate program versus needing a college degree to pursue their profession. No prescription is required to see a massage therapist. Often, people may see a massage therapist for a long time—over the course of many years or even throughout their lifetime—as part of a regular health and relaxation plan.
Physical Therapy and Your Whole Health
Often, a physician or surgeon will provide a prescription for physical therapy. But in many states—Arizona included—you can see a therapist without a prescription or referral. Physical therapists often work with closely physicians on a customized care plan, helping patients to rehabilitate, maintain their health and prevent future issues.
Learn more about Orthopedic Rehabilitation at Spooner Physical Therapy. Ready to schedule an appointment? Click here to schedule an appointment or complimentary movement screen with a Spooner physical therapist at one of our locations throughout the valley.